gowlerk

So far there have been no significant problems. There was a SB about a possible sensor problem causing a non start up condition in a few early ones. The serial #s affected were all offered repair, the repair turned out to be replacement with a new unit. I have sold about 15 of them myself, and use one in my own rig. I believe they have been in the field 3 years now. That's the thing with electronic AADs though, only time will tell. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

It can be a subjective thing. But your first hint is the manufacturer's recommendation. Then, how hard is it to get in the bag? You are a new packer, so they are ALL hard to get in the bag, but how does your DZ packer find it? Sometimes people will just use a slightly larger bag to get around this. Next is how long does the closing loop need to be? The manual should give you an idea how long is best. Then, can you close it and make the grommets go to where they belong? (different on some rigs, read the manual) And finally, how does it look? If it is overstuffed it won't look right. Over filling the container can damage it. The stiffeners and grommets can start to pull out. If you see this happening check with your rigger right away to limit the problem. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

What is the brand and size of this container? IconI4 Ok then. An I4 is made for 150s, but people can and do stuff 170s into them. Then you were stuffing a 188ZPX into a space that will hold a 170, but not easily. This does not mean that ZPX packs two sizes small. It means that you got away with overfilling your container. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

What is the brand and size of this container? Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I know you didn't ask me, you asked Phreezone. But to get you started, your question is very basic to photography. Go here and read about about lens speed. http://www.photographybay.com/2010/01/02/photography-basics-lens-speed-and-aperture/ Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I don't see a source for less than full rolls either. But for those wondering just what it is, here is a great reference page for w-4088 spec webbing. http://www.ballyribbon.com/products/core-products/mil-spec-pia-spec/mil-w-4088 Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I would like to watch you pack a ZPX 188 into a Javelin J1K sometime. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Your poll needs a "I am just a skydiver and have no objective way of judging the quality of aircraft maintenance" option. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

New packers (and many experienced ones) always struggle with controlling the bundle and getting it into the bag before it fills up with air. You can't really learn how to do this by reading about it, only hands on practice with coaching can teach you this skill. ZPX fabric has less bulk than regular ZP fabric. But it is just as slippery and hard to pack when new. The best thing for someone in your position to do is to get a container that is one size larger than needed. If you go with a ZPX canopy, try to get a container that is rated for the same size ZP canopy. Don't be concerned about how small you might want to go some day. If you are still in the sport when that day comes it it always easier to sell a larger container, and it's always easier to buy a smaller one. That's how the market works. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

That would be tough. What do you use that long arm machine for? It would be great for really big tarps, but then you'd have to get them in and out of the basement. Singer says they are designed for cardboard fiber door panels! With Class 7 needles. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I wish I was, but no. But I'd really like to try one of those on a Mirage G3. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Awesome, even if it does look like something the Coyote would use to launch himself at the Road Runner. And it's too large for anyone to leave inside the container by accident, so no red flags needed. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Since digital, Canon's have long been the most common in the sport. I use Nikon, but that's because I own a lot of Nikon lenses. If I was starting over again it's just as likely I would choose Canon. In the DSLR world they are peers. In the mirrorless world they are behind Sony, and Samsung, and Fuji. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Or give tandem passengers new goggles instead of the beat up used ones most DZs have. Then let them take them home as a souvenir.

tried the same, but the Vigil came back twice "undelivered" This would likely mean that you made an error of some kind in the shipping procedure. Or are you trying to blame Vigil for this? Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Very good point, thank you. Though I expect I'd recover currency before I had a reserve ride. Do you win the lottery too? Since you can predict the future? Every time I jump expect a reserve ride. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

A lot of parachuting gear back then was "fairly reliable". Men were men about it. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Canopies like that are generally good for over 2000 jumps. As long as it's has been cared for properly, especially kept out of the sun, and re-lined as needed. Age is not relevant. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Winter time blues! Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

If you don't have the knowledge to understand why this is wrong you seriously need to get more experience before downsizing. Get real knowledge at the DZ, not on the interweb. But briefly, if your modern ZP 9 cell canopy loaded at 1:1 or higher is backing up at landing time it is TOO WINDY FOR JUMPING. A smaller canopy is NEVER the answer in this situation. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

I vote for the Pulse. Easier to pack, fun to fly, fabulous ability to get you back from a bad spot, better resale value. But the 2 choices aren't really completely in the same class. The Safire 2 is also a good canopy, but more like a Sabre 2 than a Pulse. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

Probably not. I'd doubt they make very many type 8 risers with Louie loops. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

There is real danger lurking for those who don't maintain discipline in opening altitudes. But there many dangers in skydiving, and if you look through the incident reports you will find that the most popular way by far to hurt yourself is from a bad landing under a fully open main canopy. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

As far as I'm concern you are basically correct. Skydiving is a risk sport that often attracts some people who are willing to accept more risk than others. It`s an adult sport, and as such participants should largely be allowed to choose their own level of risk. Up to a point, and assuming that they show a reasonable understanding of the risk. This brings up experience levels. Not just your personal experience and performance in the sport, but the experience and wisdom that comes from years of watching others. The more years you have, the more you will realize that "natural abilities" will not save anyone who pushes the envelope too far on any given jump. That is any ONE jump. The planet is so very unforgiving. Even people who are doing well learning, as well as those who most of us would consider to be advanced canopy pilots are subject to this unyielding rule. So yes, choose a higher risk if you like. But be prepared to hear from others that they don't like your choice. And if you step too far out of what is considered reasonable, be prepared to be told that your business is no longer welcome at the DZ. That's because they have seen or knew people who thought they had it all under control, and even people who had years of training under their belt make mistakes that caused them to die, right in front of their eyes. Everyone is different and your ability to learn quicker than others is noticed, whether you feel it is or not. Get out there, do the jumps, show your stuff, and the path you choose will be accepted. But the DZ community looks after it's own as much as possible. When the people that you look up to tell you that it's not yet time, your best bet is to listen. They will only allow you to color outside the lines so far, because they ate tired of the predictable results of hubris. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.

No clue. But the ad has the seller's phone # (an ebay no-no) and he has good feedback. I'd call him and ask if I were you. Always remember the brave children who died defending your right to bear arms. Freedom is not free.